February 7, 2012

Bookshelf to Bookbench Transformation

I love Ikea hacks. There are so many simple cheap pieces of furniture that are perfect for transforming into something unique. I had a small white Billy bookshelf that I wanted to put in Ivy's room, but I really didn't want her climbing it, pulling the shelves out, or tipping it over.

I thought if I could just turn it on its side, it would be perfect. But there was the problem with it being asymmetrical that bugged me.

So, I went to Home Depot and got some pieces of moulding. Then I glued them on with wood glue and clamps. I glued the shelves in so they wouldn't tip over or get pulled out. I also put wood putty in the peg holes for the shelves.

Then I painted the moulding pieces.

It needed something more in order to really look like a reading bench. When I bought the fabric for the crib bedding I made, I bought some extra of this pink suzani print. I had just the right amount left for a cushion (just under a yard).

I used some Walmart foam, put a zipper in the back so it's removable, sewed some velcro to the bottom and hot-glued some to the bench so it would stay put. (Update: the hot glue didn't hold to the laminate finish, so I put some white upholstery tacks into the velcro to hold it down. NOW it doesn't move)

We love reading together. Books are some of Ivy's absolute favorite things. I like that the books are accessible, which means she can go grab one to read any time, but safe. It's also a fun place for her to sit and look out the window.

My name is Lisa. I write about whatever interests me at the moment. I change my mind constantly and have too many hobbies, so you never know what it's going to be. But, I know I'll always love family, friends, art, good stories, great humor, culture, language, learning, and sushi.